Consistently touted as one of the best IPAs in the country, Ballast Point Sculpin is a true gem amongst hop lovers, delivering a wonderfully balanced formula of flavor and alcohol. Topping out at 7% alcohol and 70 IBUs, Sculpin is temperate while remaining delicious and satisfying.
This Sculpin was poured from a 22 ounce bottle into a pint glass, taking on a bubbly appearance with copper, orange and golden colors. A creamy head with nice retention holds nicely as lacing kisses the glass. The nose quickly erupts with a heaping dose of floral hops and a pleasant bite of citrus along with a balancing touch of sweet.
While the sights and scents are already pleasing, Sculpin is just warming things up. A quickly hoppy and bitter up front taste attack the palate without becoming overpowering. The profile is inherently floral but contains plenty of juicy, oily hops centered around citrus fruit such as pineapple and grapefruit. A mild, soft fruit sweetness in the middle eventually reveals the malt base with a hint of caramel. Sculpin eventually finishes up with a pleasant, rounded hop blast and some bitter pine.
Ballast Point created an incredibly drinkable beer, especially for the style, as barely any hint of the 7% alcohol is detectable. The lighter medium body is round and balanced, with a slightly sticky feeling due to the hops.
This is a nearly unbeatable IPA which delivers a variety of hop flavors without becoming some sort of muddled mess. Sculpin remains super drinkable and delicious throughout, making it absolutely worth seeking out. Previously this was a limited release, but Ballast Point maintains this is now a year round brew, and should be available in six packs at some point. Since they're located in San Diego, CA, it might be a while before the Jersey shore sees any, but keep your eyes peeled and don't pass these up if given the opportunity.
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